Lots of Concord, NC Sleep Problems Help from Turkey & Its Tryptophan
Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night, trying anything to get that elusive promise of restful sleep? If so, you are not the only one. Insomnia affects millions, leaving many looking for natural answers to get the restorative rest they need. This Thanksgiving, you might find an unexpected help in an iconic holiday food—turkey. With its high levels of tryptophan, turkey offers a tasty and healthful way to support better sleep which is so important for our Concord, NC chiropractic patients at Pure Chiropractic who are healing from back pain or neck pain.
WHAT IS TRYPTOPHAN?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is important in the process of making serotonin, a neurotransmitter that assists in regulating mood and sleep cycles. Serotonin is then changed into melatonin, the hormone in charge of managing your sleep-wake cycle. Eating tryptophan-rich foods like turkey can help increase these processes, making it easier to drift off into restful sleep. Just look around the room after your Concord, NC Thanksgiving dinner!
HOW TURKEY CAN HELP WITH INSOMNIA
Turkey is one of the most highly recognized sources of tryptophan, and thanks to its deliciously lean protein, it’s a terrific addition to your diet if you’re looking to enhance sleep quality. When paired with carbohydrates (think mashed potatoes or stuffing), tryptophan absorption is optimized, raising the likelihood of better relaxation and easier shifts into sleep.
Pure Chiropractic found a clinical study by Abad and Guilleminault in Drugs & Aging quite interesting. (1) It features the role tryptophan plays in natural insomnia management. The research points out the ability of tryptophan-rich foods to promote better sleep patterns without the reliance on heavy pharmacological interventions—encouraging for anyone wanting gentle, food-based sleep remedies.
BENEFITS BEYOND SLEEP
Beyond facilitating insomnia, turkey’s tryptophan can have a cascading effect on general wellness:
- Mood Regulation: Serotonin derived from tryptophan isn’t just for sleep—it’s also a natural mood stabilizer, allowing your holidays to be a little brighter.
- Reduced Stress: A balanced serotonin-melatonin cycle can lead to stress levels, generating a calm mental state that supports physical health.
- Nutrition Boost: Turkey is not just about tryptophan! It’s also full of lean protein, essential nutrients like selenium, and a host of B vitamins.
SUPPORT YOUR SLEEP THIS THANKSGIVING
This holiday season, why not indulge in your Thanksgiving turkey with a side of gratitude for the sleep-enhancing benefits it offers? Combine it with other healthy, tryptophan-friendly foods like bananas or milk—studies, such as one in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest these can also enhance sleep. (2) Cheers to delicious meals, science-backed solutions, and a season of restful nights!
CONTACT Pure Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Chris DeVeau, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the difficulty an arm pain patient had sleeping and how he helped with relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
